5 Health Tips for the Busy Mom Trying to Stay Fit

How many Moms out there neglect to take care of themselves? Usually, Mom is the last person Mom worries about.  She is always doing for all of us.  And, for the busy Mom trying to stay fit, you can almost forget any physical activity that doesn’t involve chasing a toddler.

For my wife, I know that she has the desire to workout and even makes attempts here and there. But, after caring for our young son all day, driving him to all of his activities, cleaning up after him, and making sure he doesn’t hurt himself, she is (rightfully) exhausted.  By then, getting off the couch feels like working out.

This is the case for both stay-at-home mothers and working mothers alike. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day.  Even if there was more time, I’m sure my son would figure out a way to stay up later.

Mom needs a break and she needs time for herself. She needs a chance to recharge.  We wouldn’t let our phones go uncharged for very long, so why let our wives, girlfriends, and mothers?

As a husband, it’s part of my job to make sure Anna gets what she needs. Do I fail at this?  Yes, constantly.  But, I think this post is just as important for the mothers out there as it is for us guys.

Relationships are give and take. And to avoid issues in yours, we all need to do a better job of making sure our significant others (a.k.a. the mothers of our children) get what they need.

With all that said, here are a few suggestions for the busy Mom trying to stay fit (and those of us who need to make sure they get that time).

Note: This post may contain affiliate links.

For the busy Mom trying to stay fit, consider getting a gym membership.

Gym memberships are not something I usually recommend. It’s not because I’m anti-gym.  But, from a budgeting standpoint, I tell people to cut that expense right away.

However, if a gym membership fits in your budget, by all means go join one or put the one you have to good use. Take advantage of classes offered and discounted training sessions.  Make it a priority in your day.

If you’re a working Mom trying to stay fit, have you considered joining a gym near your office? Make your fitness and physical health a priority by going before work, during your lunch break, or after your workday.  The first will help jump-start your day, the second will keep you productive throughout the afternoon, and the third will help you de-stress and go home energized.

For the busy stay-at-home mom, doing the gym thing might be a little more difficult. That said, can you find a gym in the area that has child care?  What about a local community center or YMCA / YWCA?  Can you trade off babysitting days with another SAHM and workout a couple days per week?

Sure, committing to the gym might be a little difficult at first. If you want to get fit though, some adjustments are inevitable.  That’s OK.  You can do this.

Don’t forget about trying one of the diet programs to jumpstart your fitness.

OK, maybe working out isn’t your thing. I can appreciate that since I barely ran at all between 2002 and 2014.

I had to have the desire to accomplish something big. That became running my first half marathon.

It’s fine if you’re not there yet. Instead, can you start eating healthier?  And if you don’t want to cook or have to figure out a ton of recipes, you can start with a diet program.

Anna and I tried losing weight with Nutrisystem back in 2014 when I was training. I lost 40 lbs. and went from 225 lbs. to 185 lbs. in a span of a year and a half.  I began training for a marathon in 2015, so that helped as well.  But, I wouldn’t have lost all of that weight without the diet program.

Other programs you should consider giving a try are Atkins or the South Beach Diet.  Be sure to check those out and see if they would be a fit.

And if you happen to enjoy cooking, but aren’t sure where to start, there are some great meal delivery companies.  In fact, you can give Hello Fresh a try and get 2 free meals when you sign up.

If you’re a busy Mom trying to stay fit, why not bring the kids on a run or bike ride?

So, I’m obviously partial to running, but you can make your workout time an activity you share with your spouse and the children. Get a jogging stroller and take the little ones with you.

Then again, if you prefer cycling, get a bicycle trailer and let the kids enjoy the ride. I have used a jogging stroller, but I don’t bike much.  So, I’m not as familiar with the bike trailers.

However, our neighbors have a bike trailer and they take their little girl all the time. Our son rode in it with her once and loved every minute.

Those are some great options right there for the busy Mom trying to stay fit. Take the kids and make it a family affair.

The busy Mom trying to stay fit should make naptime and bedtime workout time.

If the suggestions above aren’t doing it for you, maybe you can utilize naptime or bedtime to get a 20-minute or 30-minute workout in. That’s why there is YouTube and the Internet.

There are plenty of free workout videos you can do online. Just type in “free workouts” or “yoga” into Google and you will find plenty of options.

This idea works for any busy Mom trying to stay fit. It doesn’t matter if you work or stay-at-home.  This is one you can definitely do if you want it bad enough.

As we speak, Anna and I are implementing this for her. She is starting a new Beachbody workout routine while I continue putting our son to bed.  I’ve been putting him to sleep for a few months now and it goes fairly well.  So, this is a great opportunity for Anna to get some time to herself.

Keep yourself accountable and have goals.

You will fail at this. Yes, you read that right.  You will fail.

But, that doesn’t make you a failure. I had days when dieting or training where I blew it.  I just gave in and allowed the weakness to take hold.

And you what? It’s OK.  I pushed on and did better next time.

You will end up eating the piece of chocolate cake or skip a work out because you’re too damn tired. Don’t beat yourself.

Instead, hold yourself accountable and do better next time. Get an accountability partner (a friend, your spouse, or co-worker) and have them text you at different points the week.  Join a Facebook group or message board.  Join a class at the gym or wellness program through work.

Commit to making it happen and you will. No matter how many times you have to pick yourself back up.

Can you see this being possible?

If you’re a busy Mom trying to stay fit, can you appreciate this list? Does it excite you?

It should.

Now, allow yourself to be the person that becomes healthy and fit. Work it into your schedule.  Make it a daily habit.

Get your support system on board. Have them come along for the ride if they want.

In the end, it’s about your commitment. You have the power.  Life will happen.  Kids will get sick.  You will get sick.

However, it all comes down to you re-committing each time life seems to get in the way. Regardless of what happens, don’t make excuses.  Just go for it and be the person, mother, spouse, friend, relative, or whoever you want to be.

Are you a busy Mom trying to stay fit? If so, how’s it working out for you?  For the guys out there, how are you supporting your significant other?  Tell us below.